Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: jayls on April 13, 2008, 08:03:58 AM

Title: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: jayls on April 13, 2008, 08:03:58 AM

   
Hello

I am French, excuse me for my language.

I buy this kit: http://www.probotix.com/index.php?view=product&product_id=45]http://www.probotix.com/index.php?view=product&product_id=45

(4 kit stepper motor 400 oz / inch)

I'm plugged the card on the parallel port.

I have Mach3.

I configured mach3: http://www.probotix.com/cnc_downloads/

And when I press the keys, stepper not running!!!
The stepper motor work because when I plug in food, motor are: Bzzzzzz .... And when I want to turn the axis in hand, it stops.
with USB, but it does not work.

Please help me
thank you


(http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/518/dscf0952qc9.th.jpg) (http://img384.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0952qc9.jpg)
(http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/5979/dscf0955yr4.th.jpg) (http://img160.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0955yr4.jpg)

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: Chip on April 13, 2008, 12:29:52 PM

Hi, Jayls

Tell us about your computer, Have you checked Port address and made sure it set to the proper address, 0378 is standard, But your's may be different.

See pic. below.

Hope this Helps, Chip

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: stirling on April 13, 2008, 12:41:44 PM

Hi Jayls

Hi Chip - I think the USB is only being used on this system for +5V logic supply. According to the piccies Jayls hasn't connected the parallel port.

Hi Jayls

employez tous les deux, LPT1 et USB

USB c'est pour +5V

LPT1 c'est pour commande les moteurs

Ian

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: Chip on April 13, 2008, 01:11:37 PM

Hi, Ian

His comment "I'm plugged the card on the parallel port", True the Pic doesn't show it.

Gotta-Start-Somewhere, Could be it.

Thanks, Chip

Ooop's, Left out the Welcome-Aboard "Stirling" !!

Chip

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: jayls on April 13, 2008, 01:18:15 PM

hi
thanks for your answers!!!!
I'm connect LPT1 and  USB?

   
I will try.

very thanks

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: stirling on April 13, 2008, 01:57:05 PM

Hi Chip - oops - missed that, sorry - too busy looking at piccys and not reading ;D.

Ian

A belated - thanks Chip.

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: jimpinder on April 14, 2008, 08:54:21 AM

Stirling - You're not French are you - excellent reply

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: tsalaf on April 14, 2008, 05:07:54 PM

I have the same problem with a new control box with Gecko drives and IBM computer.

All the control box components work properly with a computer from another machine that is known to work with Mach. I have tried two different IBM computers and only get a high pitched whine from the steppers. I have seen this problem posted here and on the Geckodrive Yahoo group, but with no solution.

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: Hood on April 14, 2008, 06:18:08 PM

Have you run the drive test to see what it looks like?
Hood

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: tsalaf on April 14, 2008, 06:37:33 PM

Yes, I have run the driver test. There is nothing that looks unusual. The signals do get to the motors, but the motors do not respond with movement.

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: Hood on April 14, 2008, 06:41:06 PM

Have you checked that your port is putting out 5v, maybe its just putting out 3V.
 You say its working on another computer, is that using the same xml?
Hood

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: tsalaf on April 14, 2008, 06:52:53 PM

The port puts out 5V and fluctuates to .15V on direction change. I did not copy the .XML file from the working computer, but all the setting on the new computer have been checked and re-checked. All issues with the components down stream from the parallel port have been eliminated, including the parallel cable.

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on April 15, 2008, 04:45:33 AM

Just a thought,
 
Here is a clip taken from the SideStep setup instructions:-

Control Software Setup

The SideStep is negative logic. The STEP, DIRECTION, and ENABLE lines should be inverted in your software. Please contact us if you need help configuring your software.

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: tsalaf on April 15, 2008, 12:37:11 PM

I have now tried Mach on two IBMs and one Compaq with the same result. The steppers only whine without movement.

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: Whacko on April 15, 2008, 03:38:13 PM

Could it be that your accel parameter is too steep? If this parameter is not set correctly, the armature cannot spin up fast enough and will end up just buzzing with no rotational movement.

Whacko

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: tsalaf on April 15, 2008, 04:29:54 PM

I've tried that in addition to every other possible setting in motor tuning and ports and pins.

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: Hood on April 15, 2008, 06:17:01 PM

Have you tried the xml from the computer you say it works on?

Hood

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: tsalaf on April 17, 2008, 01:02:45 PM

Problem fixed and I still have some hair left. WOOHOO.

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: Hood on April 17, 2008, 02:37:14 PM

how did you fix it, it may help others if you give this info.
Hood

Title: Re: big problem mach3 cnc
Post by: tsalaf on April 17, 2008, 03:27:42 PM

I started at the beginning as follows:

1.   Uninstalled Mach.
2.   Tested each Gecko 201 drive in a control box that is known to work.
3.   Reinstalled Mach without .xml.
4.   Wired one drive directly to the p port.
5.   Set up ports and pins.
6.   Set up motor tuning with 5us step pulse. The drive would not work with anything less.
7.   Connected motor to drive.
8.   Once the motor was working correctly, I installed the BOB between the computer and drive.
9.   Once the above combination was working correctly, I installed all the components in the control box and wired the remaining motors.
10.   I will wire the remaining limit switch and touch probe wiring next.